Do those French Fries have Gluten? Not at Burger King! :)

I have decided to reveal my favorite junk food: FRENCH FRIES! Okay, now you know Miss, now Mrs. Healthy, eats junk very occasionally. Usually I will reserve my consumption for a very gourmet version such as Truffle French Fries or French Fries that are fried in Duck Fat. Just to add insult to injury, I like to dip them in Aioli(garlic mayonnaise). Well, if your gonna indulge, go for it! Let’s just be clear this only happens a few times a year. I do not make a steady diet of this nor do I endorse it. Let’s be honest though, we all need to indulge once in a while! BTW, I do not eat at fast food places, not even after driving 800 miles with no other option…never. I may need to make an exception in the name of research and try these new Gluten-free Fries at Burger King!

That said, I just read this morning on Triumph Dining Gluten-Free Publishing that Burger King has just confirmed that their new fry recipe is Gluten-free at all locations since December 5, 2011! Are they frying it in the same oil as those Onion Rings with gluten? Let’s find out. I’ll get back to you on that one.

It seems that so many foods contain gluten(wheat(includes white flour), barley or rye). Some of these foods are obvious and some you would never suspect such as French Fries. Come on, French Fries consist of potatoes and oil don’t they? Well, usually, but many companies, espeically frozen french fries, are coated with white flour which is made from wheat and is therefore gluten!

My husband and I were at one of our regular restaurants we go to and we decided to deviate from our usual few items we like to order that are “safe”. Well, I was so hungry and tired that I munched down half my French Fries and realized, OMG I think these have flour! And….sure enough I checked with the kitchen and they did. Oh, @#$% I was in HUGE trouble…major panic. Even safer is to just make them at home, there’s a recipe in my cookbook, No Wheat No Dairy No Problem.

When I eat even a few parts per million(ppm) I am so sick for about 2 weeks in bed. My symptoms consist of feeling as though an 18 wheeler truck ran over me and dragged me, no energy at all. I also have GI symptoms, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and, I have the worst body aches ever. All from approximately 1/8 the size of a fingernail of gluten!

Lesson: ASK, ASK, ASK the server to ask the Chef/Cook to read the bag if there is one.

One more note, if you are as sensitive as I am French Fries that do not contain flour, but are fried in the same fryer can be cross contaminated by the other things they fry like Onion Rings or Fish etc… Beware. Be careful.

What do you do if you are contaminated? Some things that I have found to be helpful is to carry a Gluten-type digestive enzyme, Activated Charcoal and homeopathic Bryonia or Arcinicum in my purse and a list of what to do when I’m in a panic. I hate to say this, but the best thing to do if you can is to vomit. Getting the offending food out of your system right away can significantly reduce the suffering. Remember to rehydrate. Activated Charcoal is my go to favorite if I get contaminated or food poisoning I take 4 immediately. Sometimes this will help to vomit or gently absorb the “poison” and move things through quickly. Note: don’t be alarmed when you see black stool that is normal with Charcoal. Charcoal will absorb any other medication taken with it at the same time, so read the directions and take it after the other supplements/medicine.

Another helpful tool is a homeopathic remedy like Bryonia or Arsenicum that you know helps when you are poisoned (as gluten is for some people). Talk to an educated naturopathic doctor or homeopath if you do not have one.

So, enjoy your self and your snacks occasionally if you choose, but know there can be risks and prepare!!

thanks mollie you are very sweet. My goal is for more people to be able to benefit from my work to change their lives for the best! Glad you enjoyed my site and hope you’ll follow me and visit often. Try my Biscotti!

Good day! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout
out and say I really enjoy reading your articles. Can you recommend any
other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thanks a ton!

Most BKs do have assigned friers for their fries so they don’t taste of onion rings. Does that mean the workers never use them for something else? I’d ask. Also, most BKs warm their fries and rings in the same large metal bin. Onion rings often get around the divider into the fry side and contiminate them. I’d either stick with a restaurant that only fries fries (Elevation Burger, Five Guys) or ask that BK take my fries straight from the oil to my tray.

Thanks Jason. I tried 5 Guys and was very disappointed. The fries were soggy and unsatisfying. They made them fresh and put them right into my own paper tray. Everyone, do ask for them to put your fries into your tray instead of the bin with the other fries/rings to avoid cross contamination. Ask questions always confirm everywhere you eat out. Don’t be embarrassed, it is your health and you deserve to know.

Good to know! Thank you. I have been afraid to try french fries due to fear of cross-contamination. I too am highly sensitive, so I think it is just better to try and make fries at home. Thank you for your review, but I am sorry for your pain!